The citizens' initiative to reduce VAT on food products has collected 70,000 signatures. This is a record number. The initiator of the initiative, Jana Guzanova, says that people have supported the petition very much.
Guzanova says that many people have contacted her. They are very grateful that someone is taking up this issue. Many people who earn 1400-1500 euros a month write that they have no money left at the end of the month.
Guzanova says that the support of so many people shows that the issue is very important. She says that it is proof that the problem is real. It is not as some politicians say that there is no problem.
The collection of signatures will end on August 11. After that, the petition will go to the Riigikogu. Guzanova says that the signal has been sent and now practical steps are needed.
The initiative is supported by EKRE, the Center Party, and the Social Democratic Party. Guzanova says that there is support, but it is unclear whether the petition will achieve majority support.
If the Riigikogu does not decide to reduce VAT, cooperation with local governments, representatives of power, producers, and retail chains will continue. The aim is to ensure that the issue is not forgotten.
Previously, Estonia's largest citizens' initiative was against the introduction of a car tax. It collected 65,565 signatures.